Ginola backing for World Cup bid

Former French international midfielder David Ginola has been unveiled as the latest England 2018 Football Ambassador. He joins a host of foreign players who have had a major impact on the English game along with current England stars and ex-international legends.

Ginola, who had spells at Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton, becomes part of a squad which boasts more than 3000 international caps and 450 international goals.

The squad includes past and present England stars John Terry, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker and is bolstered by international figures such as Ghana midfielder Michael Essien, German captain Michael Ballack, Argentine World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles and Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel.

The former English PFA Player of the Year, Ginola, will offer invaluable support to England 2018 at home and abroad including at meetings with key football stakeholders, Bid events and international matches.

The global reputation of ambassadors such as David Ginola will help positively showcase England 2018 internationally as well as continue to build public support for the World Cup Bid in England.

David Ginola, who was part of the NewcastleGateshead bid team, said: "I had a tremendous time playing in front of passionate English crowds. They always brought the best out of me and I feel they would spur the world’s greatest players into producing a truly memorable tournament if the World Cup was staged in England."

"People all over the world love watching English football and every visiting team, player and supporter would find a home from home welcome at a World Cup in England. It would inspire fans everywhere and I am proud to be backing England 2018."

England 2018 Chief Executive, Andy Anson, added: "It is a glowing endorsement of English football that so many foreign players have stepped forward to support us.

"David Ginola was an exceptionally talented footballer and is a charismatic international figure. He will be an excellent ambassador for the bid and we look forward to working with him over the course of the campaign."